TriPark Pass includes year long access to Haleakala on Maui

By Wendy Osher

The National Park Service began sale of the new edition of its Tri-Park Pass, that gives holders access to three National Parks in Hawaii.  The $25 pass is good for entry to Haleakala National Park here on Maui, Hawaii Volcanoes and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau parks on the Big Island.

The new edition of the TriPark pass features a painting of the ‘ulei, a native shrub that grows at all three parks. Courtesy image.

Eighty percent of the purchase price is invested directly into projects that enhance visitor access, safety and enjoyment.  Parks use the money to rehabilitate hiking trails, provide waysides, and create brochures about natural and cultural features.  The funds are also used to improve the survival of endangered native species.

Passes are good for a full year starting January 1, 2011.

The new edition of the TriPark pass features a painting of the ‘ulei, a native shrub that grows at all three parks.  The plant is used in lei making and for native Hawaiian medicine.  Its tough wood, meantime, is used to fashion ‘o’o or digging sticks and hoops for fish nets.  The painting was created by Hilo artist John Dawson.

For more information on the TriPark pass, contact the Haleakala National Park office at (808) 572-4443.